<p>A Texas man who was arrested for posing a credible threat to the state Capitol was released on bond Wednesday, just hours after his arrest.</p>
<p>Benny Caldera Jr. was arrested at his home northeast of San Antonio at 3 a.m. on Wednesday after the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a tip that he was planning to attack the Capitol. He was released from Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond just before 7 a.m., according to county records.</p>
<p>Caldera reportedly told a friend he intended to "shoot up" the Capitol building while lawmakers were present on October 1. Following the tip, Texas DPS and the FBI arrested Caldera at his home and charged him with a felony terroristic threat against a public servant.</p>
<p>FBI Director Kash Patel commended the efforts of federal and local law enforcement for their prompt action in apprehending Caldera. "Outstanding work by @TxDPS," Patel stated in a post on social media. "Proud of our @FBISanAntonio team for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our state and local partners. Within HOURS of the tip, @TxDPS had the main suspect in custody — with @FBISanAntonio and local law enforcement assisting. Threaten Americans or our institutions and law enforcement will move FAST."</p>
<p>According to Bexar County court records, Caldera had previously been arrested on misdemeanor charges in 2023 and 2024 for the unlawful carry of a weapon.</p>
<p>The tip received by Texas DPS suggested there may be co-conspirators involved, but no additional arrests have been made. Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw referred to Caldera as the "main suspect" in an email to Capitol staff, according to the Texas Tribune.</p>
<p>Patel mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, and state officials indicated that there would be increased security at the Capitol as a precaution.</p>